Measuring technology is key to development of new drive technologies

Winterthur, 6 October 2017 – The automobile industry is facing major political pressure to launch alternative drive technologies. The sector is therefore gearing up for the transformation of combustion engines. Future developments will be shaped by an increased demand for hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as self-driving vehicles. The Kistler Group offers a range of measuring technology that can be applied to this end.

The Swiss company generates as much as 70% of its sales revenue from measuring technology for the automobile industry. In crash tests as well as durability and endurance tests, the measuring technology is similar regardless of the particular drive technology. In contrast, measurements in engine research and development are directly affected by the transformation of the combustion engine.

No decline in sight for the combustion engine

Jürg Stadler, Head of Engine Research and Development at Kistler, explains why the combustion engine will remain important in the medium term: “In order to achieve the CO2 emission reduction targets, combustion engines will need to be enhanced and developed further. Combustion engines will continue to be used in hybrid drives or drives with energy recovery features.” This year’s Bloomberg New Energy Finance Report1 also surmises that sales of vehicles with combustion engines will remain steady. Diesel however will become less significant as a result of the disproportionate increase in costs: the stricter the emission limit, the higher the cost of exhaust emission treatment. Combined with the current political climate the diesel engine’s image has suffered significant damage, which could influence consumers’ willingness to invest.

Measuring technology is key

The industry will focus on the development of innovative gasoline engines and sustainable electric vehicles. Kistler’s innovative measuring technology can help address the growing demands of the automobile market – including new markets in emerging economies. “We expect to see the demand for intelligent measurement solutions rise as a result of increasingly complex drives and stricter safety requirements, as well as trends, such as self-driving vehicles. Change will require comprehensive measurements and a deep understanding of the industry – especially if the vehicle of the future is fully automated and driverless,” says Stadler.

Unbridled growth

This year, the Kistler Group reinforced its market position with three acquisitions. Its range of Industry 4.0 (Vester Elektronik GmbH, IOS GmbH) and transport safety (eso GmbH) solutions was consequently strengthened. “Thanks to our comprehensive portfolio and pioneering technologies, we are now well equipped to face any future challenges in the automobile industry, including Industry 4.0,” Rolf Sonderegger, CEO of the Kistler Group, says.

The Swiss measuring technology experts received orders worth approximately 325.2 million US dollar by the end of September 2017, which accounts for a 19.2 % growth compared to the same period last year, or 19.4 % when adjusted for currency effects. Kistler currently employs 1,850 staff members at 61 sites across the world.

Precise measurements are an absolute must in combustion engine development. Kistler’s KiBox Measurement and Evaluation System allows users to carry out complete combustion analysis in the vehicle and on the engine test bench